AKIKO has been a mainstay on the New York jazz scene since 2001. Being of Japanese origin, this talented musician began playing the Organ at the age of three. She launched her career in jazz immediately after graduating from the Osaka College of Music. While living in Osaka, she had opportunities to play with world-renowned jazz
musicians from the United States. Grady Tate, in particular, had the strongest influence on her professional career and convinced her to move to the U. S, and performed on her
Japanese debut album. Dr. Lonnie Smith is one of Akiko’s greatest mentors, and she considers him as her biggest influence.

Early in her New York career, she had the great pleasure to play several gigs with Frank Wess and Jimmy Cobb. While she has made a great reputation performing with her own band, she has also enhanced her name on the jazz scene playing with Lou Donaldson at Carnegie Hall, as well as jazz festivals and jazz clubs all over the world, including tours in Japan. Going to Europe with Lou Donaldson has become an annual event for her since 2012.